When NTU’s three newest halls of residence are ready in September, another 2,000 more students will call NTU “home”. Chrystal Chan and Amin Shah discover these halls, named after tropical trees, are as much havens of creativity as lush living spaces
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1,595 residential units (single and twin-sharing)
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18 wheelchair-accessible rooms
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Sky gardens and sky lounges in every block
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5 minutes’ walk to the nearest bus stop (bus service 199, Blue Campus Loop and Red Campus Loop)
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2 stops away from North Spine Plaza
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5 minutes’ walk to the swimming pool
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Food court with a smorgasbord of international cuisine, including halal and vegetarian options
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4 design studios (to develop your creative ideas)
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A multi-purpose hall that can be converted into 6 table-tennis or badminton courts
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Largest gym in NTU
THAT BIG CRAZY IDEA MAY NOT BE THAT CRAZY
Looking for inspiration to start the “next big thing”? Head to the design studios here, modelled after Silicon Valley’s “startup garages”, where you can come together with your hall mates to brainstorm and build on that wild idea. The best part is, after a long day of working on your project, your cosy room will be just a short stroll away.
YOU’LL LOUVRE IT HERE
The NTU campus is a showroom of sustainability. Here, louvres block direct sunlight from shining into the rooms and the sun-reflecting coating on the windows cuts down the reliance on air-conditioning. Inside each room is a louvered ventilation panel that lets you maximise wind flow and yet maintain your privacy.
THE NIGHT IS YOUNG
Some say creative minds are most active at night. Night owls will love the ambient lighting here that transforms the courtyards into well-lit recreational spaces. Chill with friends, plan a musical or TEDxNTU talk, sow the seeds of a meaningful social enterprise project, or write poetry, a new algorithm or the script of your next film project.
“These new halls, named after our heritage trees, celebrate the rich eco-diversity of our campus. NTU halls have also been building strong traditions, and our students forge deep bonds with their fellow residents. The halls will be part of our vibrant campus life and NTU’s evolving system of residential education.”
— Prof Kwok Kian Woon, Associate Provost (Student Life)
WELCOME TO MY BANYAN TREE “RESORT”
The three halls of residence are named after tropical trees – the Banyan, Binjai and Tanjong. They comprise six 13-storey blocks that are the tallest on campus. Together they will house close to 2,000 students, adding up to a grand total of 14,000 students living on campus. Sky gardens and sky lounges at each block bring the natural surroundings into the buildings, so it’s easy to step into greenery without having to venture outside.
BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
Wide open spaces are not limited to the outdoors. This air-conditioned multi-purpose hall can be used for large events and can also be converted into six badminton courts or six table tennis courts. A few steps away is the biggest gym on campus. Roughly the size of three tennis courts, it will have a full range of equipment, with changing rooms and lockers. Open to students, faculty and staff , it will be run by a commercial fitness company.
